Motherhood Out Loud Cast
Paul Ballard (Ensemble (Orange))Paul is thrilled to make his debut with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore in this wonderfully written show with this terrific cast and crew! Most recently, Paul appeared in the role of Felix Ungar in Bowie Community Theatre’s production of the ODD COUPLE. Paul has played many comedic and dramatic roles in the Maryland theatre community over the years. Favorite roles include George Bailey in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Emile de Becque in SOUTH PACIFIC, and Captain von Trapp in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Paul thanks the director, Temple Fortson, for this wonderful opportunity. Paul thanks his wonderful wife, Jan Danek, for all her love and enduring support of his theatrical endeavors. This show brings to mind all the love he received from his mother and father, and from all the loving elders in his life. You never know how much a difference your love can make in other people’s lives!
Melissa Broy Fortson (Ensemble (Red))Melissa has been a part of community and professional theaters for over 40 years. She is a former Equity New York City actress and has worked in Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City since she was 8 years old.
She has been seen in shows with “Ovation Dinner Theater” and has enjoyed roles in MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Countess Elena Andrenyi), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Nell), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Mae Petersen), JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT (Narrator), THE ODD COUPLE FV (Olive), HARVEY (Veta Simmons), SWEENEY TODD, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Ronnette), HAIRSPRAY (Motormouth Maybelle), AVENUE Q (Gary Coleman), NUNSENSE (Sister Hubert), BEST LITTLE W*HOUSE IN TEXAS (Jewel) and NUNSENSE 2 (Mother Superior). She has also directed several shows including, HONK!, GODSPELL, CHARLIE BROWN, “MIRACLES ON 34TH STREET, OKLAHOMA, PUFFS, “SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, LIVE, “THE RUDE MECHANICALS, and AIDA. Congratulations to the cast and crew for creating a BEAUTIFUL show! Enjoy it, everyone!"
Calla Fuqua (Ensemble (Yellow))Calla is thrilled to join the cast of Motherhood Out Loud! You might recognize her from various roles, including: Green Girl in SHOUT!, Lucy in AVENUE Q, Logainne in PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Vagabond Players, and Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS at Woodbrook Players. She adores her fellow cast mates and wants to thank them for each of their amazing performances.
Brooke Jacobs (Ensemble (Purple))Brooke is extremely excited to finally make her stage debut in front of the curtain for this show. Back in high school, she discovered she was best suited on the back end of performing and has enjoyed her techie life here at ASOB, stage managing several productions and being an active board member. Upon hearing of this show, she knew it would be the time to cross into the light and try something new. Motherhood has shaped her life and she dedicates this show to her own "halflings", Carter and Ali. "I have loved every moment of being your mom!" She also dedicates it to her niece, Emily, and her husband, Chris. And most importantly, to her own mother, Ethel. "Mom, thank you for all you have sacrificed and suffered through for our family. I'll always be your Sunshine!"
Kara Kaskel (Ensemble (Green))Kara is thrilled to be in her second production at ASOB! She is especially ecstatic to perform in this incredible show that strikes an intricate balance between the personal and the universal. Kara is incredibly grateful for the cast and crew of this show, and for the chance to tell these stories of motherhood. She would like to dedicate her performance to the wonderful women in her life including her mother, stepmother, sister and sisters-in-law.
Archie Kramer (Ensemble (Blue))Archie is very excited to be returning for their second show with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore! They were recently seen in GOOSEBUMPS: THE MUSICAL (Ms. Walker.) Other favorite roles include MATILDA: THE MUSICAL (Ms. Wormwood) and SEUSSICAL (Cat in the Hat). Archie would like to thank their family and friends for being a huge support in their theater journey.
Emily Talmadge (Ensemble (Pink))Emily is so excited to be joining ASOB for another show! This one is very personal for her, being a mom of a toddler and a newborn! A couple of her favorite previous roles include: Wednesday Addams in the ADDAMS FAMILY (KHSDC) and Vera Claythorne in AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (JOB). She feels so lucky and proud to be a part of this wonderful cast, who have each become a part of her family, and so especially lucky to FINALLY have shared the stage with her Aunt, Brooke. Huge thanks to her husband for holding down the fort while she’s been at rehearsal, and to her wonderful babies, Rowan and Flynn. She loves you so so much. “Thank you for choosing me to be your mommy! (Happy 2nd birthday, Rowan!! Daddy and I are so proud of you, baby girl!)"